#got this idea in my head yesterday and wisely acted on it before the muse came and went fjkdj <3< /div> Explore tagged Tumblr posts

[mushygiggles]

Making up silly excuses to tickle someone just melts me like butter.. 💓💓 and I think having your neck nuzzled by a warm staticy tv screen would tickle quite a bit! They just love each other so much hgff. 💞💞 oh the mock innocence~

Also, sorry my activity isn't the most consistent. My creative muse runs on it's own schedule and I unfortunately can't will it otherwise 💔

Also I finally did pick a name for Mimi's robot boyfriend, it's Kiff! ❤️And they like to wear big oversized sweaters! 💗 also lookit Mimi's widdle feet, they came out so widdle and dainty hehe~ 🩷

[sweetmemories2606]

Answers (Gruvia/Gajevy Fanfic) Chapter 2

Originally this was my prompt for Gruvia Week 2020 day 3: perverse, but as it often happens, the story decided to become multi-chapter. 

Here's the basic info to jog everyone's memory:

Title: Answers

Pairings: Gruvia, Gajevy (from ch 3), may include other ships as well

Summary: Everyone has secrets, but some are deadlier than others. Gray didn't imagine Juvia was hiding anything, until she was taken by the Magic Council for questioning.

Timeline: Grand Magic Games

Warnings: Major plot twist and incoming angst. 😏

Word Count: around 2000 words per chapter

Link: Ch 1 Ch 2

I hope you'll enjoy!

                                   ----------------------

                                 Chapter 2: Suspicion

"They sent you to infiltrate Fiore in case the invasion failed, didn't they?"

Standing up, Juvia glared at the two agents. "I refuse to stay here and listen to you make such accusations without evidence."

Doranbolt reached for the handcuffs before using his teleportation magic. Appearing behind her, he quickly placed them around her wrists.

Juvia gasped upon realising that they prevented her from using magic. Not good.

Returning to his seat at the table, Doranbolt gave her a determined look. "You're not going anywhere until we have the truth."

"If you give us useful information, we might consider not arresting you." Lahar said.

Juvia struggled against the cuffs, but it was pointless. "I don't trust either of you."

Doranbolt sighed. "Look, I'm giving you a chance to do the right thing here."

"The right thing." She rolled her eyes and scoffed. "Why do people always use that term?"

"If you don't cooperate..." Lahar threatened.

"You'll arrest me, I know." Juvia shrugged.

"But before that..." Doranbolt lifted a glowing hand. "I'll use my magic to see through your memories."

Juvia considered this for a moment, quickly coming to the conclusion that it wouldn't be the worst case scenario. After all, it's not like they would find anything useful there either.

"Go ahead." She shrugged, and the two agents seemed confused. "You won't find what you're looking for."

"Alright, then." Doranbolt pressed his hand against her forehead and closed his eyes.

                                   ----------------------

                                    At the infirmary

Gray was met with cheers and congratulations from his comrades once he re-entered the infirmary.

"Well done, Gray." Makarov was the first to congratulate him.

"It was about time." Cana rolled her eyes.

"You're a real man." Elfman yelled.

"I'm so happy for you!" Mirajane swooned.

"Wait a second..." Gajeel was the first to notice. "Where's Juvia?"

The mood instantly changed as people became confused, worried and honestly a little afraid.

"Gray?" Erza asked, leaving Natsu's side since she had been comforting him and taking a step towards the ice mage.

"She's gone." He answered and his mind replayed the weird moment from before in an attempt to understand it.

"Gone where?" Gajeel asked, his tone even more concerned.

"I don't know." Gray answered, sincerely. "She told me not to worry, but I can't help it."

"I'm confused." Natsu affirmed. "Did you guys get together or not?"

Everyone looked at the ice mage in expectation. "That's not really any of your business, flame brain." Gray snapped, a slight blush colouring his cheeks.

"Please." Cana scoffed. "If you wanted to keep it a secret, then you shouldn't have been so obvious."

Before he could protest, Makarov stepped in. "Gray, I understand you are a private person, but we just want you to be happy."

"And if being with Juvia is what makes you happy, we want help to make that happen." Levy continued.

"Speak for yourself." Gajeel muttered, glaring at the ice mage.

"I appreciate you wanting to help." Gray said after a few silent moments. "But I think it's up to me and Juvia now."

"And where is Juvia?" Makarov asked, looking worried. "Why isn't she with you?"

"She was taken by the Magic Council." The former revealed, ensuing shocked gasps and screams.

"But why?" Levy asked what all were thinking.

Defeated, Gray slumped into a chair. "I have no idea."

                                   ----------------------

                                   Outside Crocus

"I still can't believe she hurt Lucy like that." Meredy was still in disbelief over what they had witnessed earlier.

"It seems the Sabertooth guild doesn't care about humanity." Jellal stated pensively.

"Do you think they could be the evil we've been sensing?" Ultear suggested.

"Can't be." He immediately responded, shaking his head. "They were all in their stand yesterday when I saw the figure."

"They could've used an illusion like Raven Tail." Ultear wisely pointed out.

Meredy was thoughtful for a moment. "I don't think we should spend much time considering this."

"We've got bigger issues to think about." Jellal said, glancing at the crystal ball in her hands which showed the still image of Juvia walking away from Gray, following Doranbolt and Lahar.

They had been aiming to check up on Lucy, but once the image of the couple outside the infirmary appeared, Meredy insisted they watched this interaction. They knew why she was interested in the couple and couldn't deny their own curiosity.

Watching Gray try to confess was amusing and when they finally kissed the trio smiled in delight. However, the beautiful moment was soon ruined by the two Magic Council agents.

"Why do you think they want to talk to Juvia?" Meredy wondered.

"I don't know." Jellal frowned, worried and suspicious.

"It's not really our business." Ultear pointed out, making the image disappear from the ball.

"It could be, if she's involved in something dangerous." He told her.

"You don't think she is, do you?" Meredy's eyes widened, her disbelief clear.

Jellal and Ultear shared a look before he sighed. "I've always sensed that she had a connection to Zeref."

"Me too." The time mage admitted.

"But…" Meredy didn't want to believe it. She refused to. "She can't…"

"I remember meeting her when we were members of the Council, while she was still in Phantom Lord." Ultear mused. "There was a certain...energy to her which now that I think about it is similar to Zeref's."

"I didn't feel that." Meredy said, now conflicted.

"This without mentioning the fact that her file is nearly empty." Jellal remembered. "I always thought that was the fault of the orphanage where she grew up, but it could be something else."

"Well, whatever she's hiding, we should figure it out before someone gets hurt because of it." Ultear affirmed.

                                   ----------------------

                                       In Alvarez

"I still think that you should have killed her on Tenrou Island." Dimaria stated as the Spriggan 12 met with Emperor Spriggan to discuss the matter of Juvia Lockser.

"Why?" Irene questioned. "The girl is hardly a threat."

"You said the same about her father." Larcade observed.

"And she was right." Zeref spoke, silencing their argument. "Or are you forgetting that Daniel was the one who allowed us to dispose of the Council members that posed a threat to the Empire?"

"Yet why are we letting them live?" Larcade motioned towards the image of Doranbolt and Lahar that was shown on a screen.

"For now." The Emperor said. "But we didn't arrange this meeting to discuss them."

"No, we did not." Irene said as everyone became serious.

"We should focus on our latest mission to infiltrate Fairy Tail." Invel reminded them.

Dimaria voiced her opinion. "I still believe this is rather risky."

"I agree." Ajeel piped in. "Trusting a mere servant to gain us access to their inside information…"

"Well, if any of us went there they'd be easily suspicious." Brandish pointed out, looking bored as usual.

"Besides, we can't forget that our spy has a deep connection to one of their core members." August finally spoke.

"That is precisely why I chose them." Zeref stated with a knowing smile. "It's always easier for people to trust someone they think they know."

                                   ----------------------

                                   Inside the castle

"Are you sure that was the right call?" Doranbolt asked while organising the files.

"I don't know." Lahar let out a defeated sigh. "But we established that she's not a threat."

"That doesn't mean we can trust her, though." The former concluded, closing the now empty drawer on the desk.

"Of course not." The latter shook his head. "We'll keep a close eye on her and if she does anything suspicious, we can arrest her."

"Don't you think it would be better to take her now instead of waiting?" Doranbolt suggested.

As expected, Lahar disagreed. "We do not have enough evidence to arrest her now."

The former sighed. "Sometimes I hate having to do things the right way."

                                   ----------------------

                           Outside the Mercurious

Juvia left the palace feeling uncertain and unsafe. Even though she hadn't said anything incriminating nor did her memories reveal the truth, she felt like Doranbolt and Lahar remained suspicious.

She was grateful that they had let her go, though. The thought of being arrested and sent to ERA was terrifying, even more so when everything was finally falling into place.

Thinking back to her moment with Gray, she couldn't help but to smile. He had been so sweet, trying to tell her he felt the same and then politely asking if he could kiss her.

Juvia hadn't expected him to be such a gentleman, but it was a welcome surprise. She could only imagine how he would act if they did get together. At least she hoped this would be the outcome of the conversation they were meant to have later.

What if it isn't? She stopped in her tracks, suddenly overwhelmed by fear. Strange how she was more afraid of losing him than being sent to prison.

Another terrifying thought came. What if he finds out about Alvarez? What will I tell him?

Juvia sighed as she resumed walking along the palace gardens. She really needed to start figuring out what to tell him and everyone else about the interrogation. There must be a way to dissuade them from asking too many questions she couldn't answer.

She was about to start brainstorming when suddenly she felt a familiar presence. Stopping again, she looked ahead and sure enough there was a hooded figure not far ahead.

There was a moment of silence as Juvia stared at the figure, unsure what to do. Then, they suddenly removed their hood, revealing a familiar head of blonde hair and big brown eyes. It was Lucy.

[tenshiscientia]

How She Feels (Saix Version)

Chapter 2

‘Heartless...there were so many Heartless, as far as the eye could see swarming the area that the Organization had been working in that evening to collect hearts. Already most of the Organization's members had been quickly decimated by the Heartless and had to pull back. Both Saix and Amaterasu were trying their best to defend the Organization but as time passed, it was apparent to both Saix and Amaterasu that this was a battle they were quickly losing. Amaterasu grunted loudly as she had a Heartless claw at her side, pieces of her clothing and flesh being torn off. The gruesome sound of flesh being ripped echoed loudly in her ears.

Amaterasu let out a cry as she brought down her sword Cosmos hard on the offending Heartless, killing that one and three others. She cursed as she fell to her knees. Her breathing was shallow yet rapid and her head began to spin. She realized she had lost too much blood. Looking up too quickly reminded her how dizzy she was.

Even so, she was barely able to see. The blood from a blow to the head was leaking over her eyes and blinding her vision...'

Amaterasu's eyes shot open her lips opening in a soft gasp as she laid beside Saix, his arm casually draped over her waist, his chest pressed up against her back. Noting the way that the two of them were laying together, she tried to remain still so that she wouldn't wake Saix up. She shifted a little to see if she could slip away from him, but his arm tightened around her and she felt his nose bury itself into her hair. Soft puffs of air blew against the back of Amaterasu's neck as she laid there frozen from his movements. She had thought that Saix would wake up from her small movements, not snuggle up against her even more.

Resigned to the fact that she had to wake him up somehow, (no offense to him, but she had to move, the remnants of the dream were still with her and she had to move, she had to get away from it) so she could get out of the bed. Deciding to go for an approach that she knew wouldn't be fair she reached over her shoulder and took hold of a handful of hair. Hoping Saix would forgive her for what she was about to do, Amaterasu gave a firm yank on said hair. Saix immediately pulled back from her with a growl and his hand flew up to dislodge Amaterasu's hand from his hair. Amaterasu rolled from the bed and took off for the other side of the room, expecting to be attacked after what she had just done.

However before she got too far away, her vision clouded over with darkness. It cleared moments later to show the Heartless back around her once again along with that bloody battle field. Amaterasu frantically searched all around her, trying to find Saix, but not seeing him. Hearing something growling behind her, Amaterasu turned around and found a huge Heartless looming over her ready to strike. She started to back away, but tripped over something and fell.

Scooting back on her hands, Amaterasu tried to get away from the Heartless, but it descended down on her and wrapped its claws around her arms. Amaterasu screamed and began to thrash around. The Heartless opened its mouth and Amaterasu thought she was going to lose her heart, but instead a voice was issued from it.

“Amaterasu...” the Heartless croaked.

Amaterasu froze staring up at the Heartless.

“Wha...” she forced out, nearly speechless.

“Amaterasu, what's wrong?” the Heartless asked again, only this time it was Saix's voice that asked it.

Amaterasu closed her eyes and shook her head vigorously. The Heartless was trying to trick her. She had been told that Heartless could be tricky little things, but she never knew that they could imitate voices.

“No, get off me. I swear, I'll kill you if you don't...” she yelled at the Heartless.

“Amaterasu, stop it! It's me Saix!” the Heartless said again, still imitating Saix's voice.

However when Amaterasu opened her eyes, it was indeed Saix in front of her. She was confused. Could Heartless imitate a persons figure as well as their voice. Saix let go of one of Amaterasu's arms and threaded his hand into her hair.

“Amaterasu, listen to me, you are safe. There is nothing here to harm you.” Saix said firmly, making sure she couldn't look away.

Amaterasu slowly relaxed in Saix's grip, looking up at him carefully. It was Saix. Amaterasu started trembling, then just broke down into tears, her whole body shaking with the sobs that tore from her throat. Saix stared down at her for a few moments, then kneeled down and pulled her against him so that she was against his chest enclosed within his arms. Her arms snaked around his chest and held onto him tightly.

Saix was silent, allowing her to cry as much as she needed without asking, but he was eventually going to. As her crying began to subside, he pulled back from her and lifted her into his arms. Walking back to his bed, he sat her down on it then kneeled in front of her.

“What happened?” he asked gently, contrary to his normal rough demeanor.

A hiccup forced itself from Amaterasu's throat before she swiped her hand across her face, trying to wipe the tears from her eyes.

“A battle field...A bloody battle field all around me. Heartless everywhere. Somewhere here in The World That Never Was. The Organization members were strewn everywhere.

Some dieing, some already dead. The two of us were trying to fight, but we were losing and we were both going to die. And then, a Heartless came up behind me. I'm sorry, but I thought you were that Heartless. That's why I tried to get away from you.

I thought you were going to try and take my heart. I thought I was going to die.” she sobbed.

A fresh wave of tears flowed forth and she covered her face. Saix reached up and took her hands in his own and pulled them away from her face.

“I promise you, I will never let that happen. No one will ever touch you. No Heartless will ever steal your heart while I still live. You are mine and so is your heart. You did give it to me, did you not?” he asked her.

Amaterasu nodded her head.

“Then I will protect it with everything that I am and everything that I have.” he whispered to her.

Leaning up, he softly pressed his lips to hers. The kiss was gentle, a direct opposite of his normal demeanor and tasted of the salt from Amaterasu's tears. However neither of them cared. The world around them melted away and time seemed to stop. Amaterasu leaned down and slid her arms around Saix's neck pulling him farther into the kiss, her fingers sliding into his silky midnight blue hair at the nape of his neck.

A slight moan was heard from the back of Saix's throat. He had wanted this for so long, but never knew how to ask for it. The hands that were entangled in his hair were so soft and gentle. The midnight hair that flowed forward as Amaterasu leaned down to kiss him was soft and silky against his cheeks. Her ocean-blue eyes were closed, but he didn't care at the moment.

Her soft lips were pressed against his and they were pliant and willing. If only he could do this forever. Alas, oxygen was needed and the two of them pulled apart, both of them panting from the lack of air.

“You know...” Amaterasu panted lightly, resting her forehead lightly against his.

“Hmm?” he asked.

“I have...wanted to do that...for so long now. I've just been afraid to. I've not known what to do, what to ask to let you know that.” she whispered.

Saix smiled to himself. He leaned forward again and pressed another light, but chaste kiss to her lips.

“As have I...” he whispered in return.

“You know. I never thought of you being so gentle. You always seem like a rough and strict person. What with how you always act with all the others.” Amaterasu mused aloud to herself.

A snort was heard from Saix.

“If I wasn't like that, they would never listen to me. Do you think they would actually follow my orders if I said 'please'?” he asked her with a small smile quirking his lips.

A laugh escaped Amaterasu's lips.

“You do have a point there. I can't see any of them listening if you said 'please'. I doubt any of them would even give you the time of day if you said that. I see why you crack the whip at them. Although I've seen you on a good day when you crack the whip at them, so to speak.

I've not seen you on aa bad day when you crack the whip at them and I don't think I want to. I remember what happened that one time with Xigbar. That was just scary. He climbed the wall just to get away from you. I would hate to see what you would do if someone decided to douse you with a bucket of water.

And Ice water at that. I have my doubts that they would even survive.” she giggled.

A small laugh escaped Saix, a rare thing indeed.

“Yes indeed, I did chase him up the wall. But I let him get away. I could have done much worse if I wanted to. Much, much worse. And before you get any idea's about dumping a bucket of ice water on my head, I am telling you now, I will chase you down and make you pay for it.

Not in the same way that the others would pay for it, but you would still pay.” he said, a sinister smile on his face.

Amaterasu's face paled a little.

“Remind me not to make you angry.” Amaterasu whispered softly.

“Good girl.” Saix whispered, patting her head.

Amaterasu pushed his hand away and glared up at him as he stood.

“Now, we need to get dressed to go somewhere. The Superior had something planned yesterday, but something came up mission wise for the others and it had to be canceled. If you will wait here, I'll change my clothes, then I'll take you back to your room so that you may change your clothes as well. Then once we are both ready, we'll go down to the Gray Room to meet the others.” Saix said as he moved over to the other side of his room to a dresser that was a dark blue with black accents.

He opened a couple drawers and pulled out a few articles of clothing before retreating to what Amaterasu thought would be his bathroom. A few minutes later he came out dressed in his Organization coat, but it was obvious that he had a couple layers on beneath it. Extending his hand out to Amaterasu he waited for her to take it. She nodded her head and walked over to him, taking his hand with a smile on her face. Waving his hand out next to him, Saix opened a Dark Corridor and started to walk through it.

However, he was jerked to a stop. Looking back, he found that Amaterasu was looking at the Corridor like it was going to eat her. She shook her head and pulled farther away from the Corridor. Saix turned back around and took her other hand in his.

“You trust me don't you?” he asked her, tilting his head to the side questioningly.

“Yes...” she said hesitantly.

“Then do not be afraid. I won't let anything touch you. The Darkness may envelop your body, but that is all it will touch. Your heart will always be safe while I am around. The Darkness will never have it.

Trust in my touch and in my words, Amaterasu, for they hold no lies.” he told her.

Amaterasu stared up into his yellow eyes, searching for any lies that would be hidden inside them. But she found none, she was safe. No Darkness would ever touch her in his protection. Nodding, she turned back to the Dark Corridor and began walking toward it. Saix nodded and walked beside her.

As she walked into the Corridor, Darkness enveloped Amaterasu's vision, and for a moment, the entire world was gone. Then in a bloom of color and brightness, it was back and she was looking at her room. She looked back at Saix and he nodded at her, then turned and walked out of the room so she would have her privacy while she changed her clothes. She walked over to the dresser that held her clothes and started pulling clothes out. She didn't have very many warm things because she didn't leave the Castle very often and she didn't have much of a chance to bring things along with her when she left her original home.

Pulling out a couple shirts and pulled off the shirt she had worn yesterday and then pulled on the two shirts she had pulled out. They were long sleeved and heavy. They had been standard issue for the people that had worked for the military faction she had worked for. They weren't the most comfortable things in the world, but they did keep you warm. She then pulled out a set of warm pants that were also standard issue for the cold from the military faction.

She hated the memories that they brought back, but she wasn't going to get rid of them. They were too useful. Bad memories were easily forgotten, good clothes lasted forever. Well until they wore out at least. She pulled them on then walked over to the bed that she usually slept in.

Reaching under it, she pulled out a pair of military grade boots. They were warm and durable. However, though they were military grade and durable, they were also fashionable. They weren't big and bulky, they were slim and refined. More along the lines of what a woman would wear if she was going out on a date.

There was a low heel to them and they were slightly pointed at the toe. Pulling them on, she secured the buckles that held them together, making sure her pants were neatly tucked into them. Dubbing herself ready, she walked to her door and opened it. Saix was standing outside the doorway staring at the opposite wall seemingly looking at nothing, though he was obviously deep in thought.

“You ready?” Amaterasu asked him, watching as his eyes snapped over to her as she closed the door to her room.

He nodded at her and opened another Dark Corridor. Once again taking Saix's hand, the two of them walked through the Corridor and out the other side. This time, when Amaterasu regained her vision, she was in the Gray Room and the rest of the Organization was there waiting for her and Saix. Saix pulled her forward until she was standing in front of Xemnas, then let goo of her hand and backed away. Glancing over her shoulder in surprise, Amaterasu wondered where Saix was going until Xemnas spoke up in front of her.

“Amaterasu, in the time that you have been with us, we have come to acknowledge you almost as one of us, like one of our kinsman. Though you still have your heart and though you will not bear a title from the Organization, all of us wish you to have this gift. With the protection that it will give you, you will no longer have to worry about traveling through the Dark Corridors for you will be protected by it.” Xemnas said with a hint of...was that pride Amaterasu heard in his voice.

Pulling a small black bundle from behind himself, he unfurled it and shook it slightly. At first Amaterasu couldn't tell what it was, but when Xemnas straightened it out she finally realized. It was a coat like the Organization members wore!

Amaterasu's eyes widened as she stared at the coat not moving. Saix gave a small, almost exasperated sigh and moved forward, taking the coat from Xemnas and turning back to Amaterasu.

He walked behind her and slid the coat up her arms and over her shoulders so that she was wearing it properly. Turning her around to face him, he carefully zipped it up, then allowed her to look at herself. Amaterasu looked down at the leather coat she was now wearing. Never in her wildest dreams did she think that she would ever wear a coat similar to the Organization's let alone have to coat presented to her by Xemnas himself. She was nearly speechless.

Nearly being the keyword though.

“Th-thank you Xemnas.” she managed to stutter out.

“You should be thanking Saix. He noticed your aversion to the Corridors and expressed his concern about it.” Xemnas told her.

Amaterasu looked over at Saix and noticed him looking away.

“Hey Superior, weren't we supposed to be going somewhere?” asked Axel.

Sunset orange eyes glared at the red-head.

“We will in good time Number VIII. Until then remain silent.” Xemnas snapped.

Amaterasu gave a giggle as she looked over at Axel.

“It's fine Xemnas. I am ready to go as well. Shall we?” she asked.

Xemnas looked back at her, his gaze softening as he looked over at his second-in-commands love. If only for her sake, he would try and tone back he supposed.

Waving his hand beside him, a Dark Corridor opened.

“Let this be known now. This world is to remain unknown to all of you. None shall know its name or how to get to it. This is a one time visit that I have made for Amaterasu. If I find any of you have traced this world and have tried to do anything to it, there will be dire consequences.” Xemnas warned.

All of the Organization members looked at him for a moment then nodded their heads. They knew better than to go against Xemnas. Walking through the Corridor, the fourteen of them found themselves in a world covered in snow and ice. Fluffy snow flakes fell from the sky in a flurry all around them. Amaterasu ran forward and spun in a circle, laughing as the snow flakes stuck in her hair.

She turned back around and watched the other Organization members look around almost furtively, like they didn't know what to do. Smiling to herself, Amaterasu leaned down and scooped up a handful of snow. Packing it into a ball, she looked over at the group. She knew she would get into trouble for this and would most likely get thrown into an illusion that would drive her to the brink of insanity, but she thought this would be worth it. A little snow never hurt anyone, right?

Drawing back her arm, she then launched the snowball forward and it hit its target. The slate-blue hair covered head was covered with snow, and as it turned little chunks of the remaining snowball fell to the ground. Aqua-blue eyes made their way over to Amaterasu, glaring at her as she stood there smiling innocently.

“Play a game, Zexion?” she asked innocently.

Zexion tried to keep the smile from his face. Though he was mad that he had been hit with the snowball. He had to admit, it was a tempting offer. He leaned down as well and scooped up a snowball of his own. Packing it together, he cocked his arm back and made to let it fly at Amaterasu...before turning and letting it fly at Xigbar.

The old pirate was nailed straight in the face, and a surprised noise left his mouth.

“Oh no you didn't, book boy!” he yelled, grabbing some snow for himself.

And thus ensued a huge snowball fight.

[aaronhart93-archive]

lunch ll jaycee & aaron

Discord thread featuring: Aaron & @jayceelynd

Mentions: @romanbeckett @alison-haynes @davieslandon

When: Monday, July 6, 2020

Description: Aaron and Jaycee make up

Trigger Warnings: none

Aaron.

Aaron literally could not believe that Jaycee that had asked him to meet for lunch, but he certainly wasn't going to say no. Jaycee had been his friend for so long, and not being able to take her everyday really fucking sucked. He knew that it was his fault though. He nearly stopped caring about what he was doing to Jaycee by getting together with Roman. He knew it was wrong and he was determined to make up for it. He didn't know how, but he knew he needed to. Seeing Jaycee's face again, prompted Aaron to grin so wide and pulled her in for one of the biggest hugs he'd ever given. And Aaron was a great hugger. "Thank you so much for suggesting this." He said before Destiny hopped from her chair to give her Auntie Jaycee a big hug around her long legs. "as you can see you've been missed by all." he said with a chuckle.

Jaycee.

It had truly broken her heart what Roman and Aaron had done, the way it was done. It was as if her feelings didn’t even matter. As if her side by Roman all that time was easily replaced. So fast, and so quick. When she saw him, her eyes lit up with a smile, tears filling ready to spill as she snuggled her face into his neck. Jaycee held onto him tightly, and laughed as she silently cried when Des hugged her legs. “I missed you both too, so much.” She choked out. Jaycee never wished how alone she felt on anyone. Not even her worst possible enemy, she was just that kind of person. Levi hid behind Jaycee as he watched Des with a crooked little smirk like his dad. Her breath hiccuping as she laughed at both of the kids joining the hug. Truthfully she didn’t want to pull away but they did need to feed the kids at least. Allowing herself to melt into his hug before she pulled back, patting at her eyes. Mouthing sorry about choking up. “I really am thankful you agreed to lunch.” Kissing his cheek before she bent down and picked up Des and spun her, both of them laughing. “Destiny this is Levi, Levi say Hi to Destiny.” She pronounces Destinys name slowly and he simply just said Hi. Looking up from the kids she laughed scrunching her nose. Jaycee loved her niece more than words could form. She had always looked at her as if she was truly her blood, and would hurt anyone that hurt her.

Aaron.

Aaron had been extremely lonely since him and Roman had broken up. It wasn't until he stopped spending everyday with Roman that he realized how many people he had lost when he got together with Roman. It made him think that maybe the choice that they had made to take a break might have been a good idea. Between Jaycee, Landon, and Alison he had fought and lost too many people. Aaron watched her with pleading eyes as she started tearing up. "Jayc.." he began as they hugged. God, he missed her hugs. He could stay like that all day. He hated seeing her cry, but he was a little happy that she was so glad to see him. Aaron's eyes drifted down to the toddler hiding behind the model. "Hi, Levi. I'm Aaron. Destiny's dad." he grinned, waving down to him. Aaron missed seeing her so much; he really had taken her friendship for granted. He especially missed see her with Destiny. He knew that Jaycee loved Destiny just as much as if she were her blood niece. He pulled his friend in for one more quick hug before he told her daughter to sit down next to him.

Jaycee.

Levi did this little backwards wave, waving at himself as he waved at Aaron the locked his big blue eyes back to Jaycee, reaching for her. Hugging him back one last time, she picked Levi up and sat him in the booster seat and fastened him in, handing him his sippy cup. “I kinda want potato soup, like a loaded backed potato soup, with Cajun chicken salad.” She hummed as she looked over at Des and made a silly face at her, laughing at Des’ silly face. “She always wins at these faces..” she sighed dramatically, bringing laughter from the two little ones. “He looks like his daddy, doesn’t he?” She asked Aaron with a smile, and shine to her hazel eyes. Looking over at him she gave him an assuring smile as she placed her pointer finger to her dimple in her chin, winking. Their own little friendship shake so to speak. It was her throwing a white flag at being mad at him or Roman. “I know you’re going to say I don’t owe you an apology but I do for the way I acted. I’m not saying it wasn’t deserved, or that I shouldn’t be hurt or mad. But I am sorry for how I made anyone feel. I can never take back anything I’ve said. I’m sorry.” She said softly as she finished her speech she caught Levi’s flying cup, only to laugh. “Keeping us on our toes.” She nuzzled her nose to the little boys, causing him to grab her face. Looking over the kid menu she decided on getting him a grilled cheese and chicken noodle soup with dinosaur shaped noodles. “What are you two gonna get?” She asked as she closed her menu, taking a drink of her iced water.July 7, 2020

Aaron.

Aaron's kid was continuously standing on the booth and putting practically her entire torso over the table to color, and Aaron was continuously reminding her to sit down and that that was fine behavior at home, but in public he was asking her to sit down. She would listen to him for about 2 minutes before standing back up on her feet again to hover over the table. Aaron tempted her to sit down the promise of a cookie for dessert which finally may have worked. "She's the best at them isn't she?" he mused, giving his daughter a tiny poke in the stomach as he laughed along with them. The businessman brought his attention over to the little boy sitting across from them. His eyes traced over the toddler's facial features, placing which ones looked like his father's. "Yeah." he nodded. Although he hadn't seen Lane in a while, the resemblance was obvious. The corners of his lips turned up into a little smile when he felt her finger on his chin. He reached out pressed down on her dimple lightly. A wave of relief rushed over him. He had had all of this stressed built up about how he made Jaycee feel and how mad she was it him. It was nice to feel forgiven; especially since it seemed like the whole world hated him. "Thank you." he grabbed her hand and gave it a light squeeze. "I totally deserved it, and I'm so so sorry Jaycee. I wish this was different." He really had just put Jaycee on the back burner after they had gotten back from Europe. He had nearly given up on their friendship, and that wasn't fair. He needed to fight for her. His eyes widened as he jumped up a little bit when the toddler dropped his cup. "Those things never end, except when they're older they insisted on having a big kid cup which make even bigger spills." he said with a tiny laugh. "I dunno...What do you want, baby?" he turned to his daughter to show her the options she had for lunch. "Chicken fingers." she demanded, without even looking at the menu. "That was easy." he laughed. "This shrimp bisque sounds amazing for me. And a chicken caeser salad sounds good too because I'm basic." he mused.

Jaycee.

Squeezing his hand back, holding onto it longer than needed. She really missed her best friend. She was definitely in her loneliest state for the past few weeks. If it wasn’t for Lane, she probably would have done something dangerously stupid. Holding onto hope all can be okay again, someone to have movie nights with. Playing games with Destiny and just getting shit faced while picking on one another. “Oh I just can’t wait for the bigger messes.” She snorted out in laughter. Looking over at Levi, her eyes shined with love for the boy she’s barely known for long. But she knew off him and watched from a car as Lane raised him. Playing with his curls. “Yeah it’ll be stressful, but.” She looked over at Aaron. “When they’re grown we’ll miss it.” Smiling softly as she blushed, feeling like an idiot. “Oh, now I want a chicken with bacon, almonds and lots of avocado.” She hummed. “Should I get him chicken nuggets or a grilled cheese..” her brows furrowed. She was so new at this and needed help from her friend. Giving Aaron a pleading look of if she was doing this kid thing right. He knew she had a fear of being a shitty mom, because of her monster of a mother.

Aaron.

Aaron returned the squeeze. Ha hated not being there for her when she needed him most, and he especially hated that he was apart of her hurt. He wanted to put all of that behind them and he wised so desperately that she could. He was so thankful that he had Jaycee in his life; that she loved his daughter with all of her heart. Having a friend love you is one things, but having one that loves your kid just as much as their own is something very unique. He couldn't let go of that. "I can't even think about Destiny growing up. It makes me dizzy just thinking about it." he shook his head. "I mean, it feels like yesterday that Ali was telling me she was pregnant. I was so scared and now I can't imagine my life without her." It was true that Destiny made him really fucking soft. Aaron smiled when she asked him for advice. "Just ask him." he told her, knowing how important it was to make sure that kids knew about personal choice and autonomy. "He's 2 so I think he's older enough to know what he likes and what he doesn't." He lowered his voice. "If not, just get both and I'll eat the rest." he mused.

Jaycee.

Jaycee was helping Levi color on his picture, writing his name down and smiled down at him. “I don’t want him to grow too fast either. It’s crazy.” She looked up at Aaron with a smile. “She’s not allowed to grow up, we’ve had these conversations on our tea time dates. And she said I can’t help it! I tried to stop growing..” she laughed softly as blew a kiss at Destiny. “Levi do you want grilled cheese or chicken nuggets?” She asked him pointing at the pictures of the food as she named them. “Ticken” she yelled all proud of himself causing her to scrunch her nose at his cuteness. “Inside voices remember” she said softly. “Listen I know you had your heart set on helping him eat what he didn’t but the boy has spoken.” She teased Aaron, thinking of throwing her paper straw wrapper at him but didn’t cause what kind of aunt would teach her niece bad behavior. The waitress came and Levi wanted out of his booster seat to be in Jaycee’s arms. Of course she held him as his little head rested on her shoulder. “Is he falling asleep?” She asked Aaron because all the sudden the boy got warm and she’s figured out with time that he gets warm as he’s drifting off. “Levi, you wanna eat?” She asked soothingly and nothing. Making a silly face at Des and Aaron. “Well looks like daddy is gonna eat chicken nuggets after all” she joked as she put Levi in the stroller, Aaron had brought for them. Jaycee was thankful that she had the strength to put everything aside, and move on with their lives. Hopefully as if it never happened one day. There was so much she wanted to share with him, but was scared with everything that’s happened. Gently she swooped one of the curls out of the little boys face as he napped. “I think I’d be lost if his dad wasn’t here.. Ya know?” Looking up at Aaron with a soft smirk. “It’s crazy and scary all in one right now. But I’m taking each day as it comes. That’s all I can do, right”.

Aaron.

Aaron looked at the boy, then at Jaycee. It was clear that she already had love for him. That was Jaycee though. She had so much love for other people around her. It was something Aaron admired about her. "I keep telling her being an adult is no fun, but she doesn't want to believe me." he shrugged. "She gets everything handed to her on a silver platter and still continues to grow on me."he mused, poking her in the stomach gently causing her to go into a fit of laughter. Aaron chuckled. "Hey, the little man's got to eat." he joked. The way that kid said "chicken" was too damn cute. Aaron ordered for himself and his daughter before peering over at the little man across from him, heavy eye lids falling. "Yep. Kid's knocked. That was fast." he laughed. Aaron was happy that he and Jaycee were talking like they normally would again. He missed this. He missed Jaycee in his life. "Listen, I thought that the first time Ali went on tour after we had Des. She was still so young and I didn't think I could do it alone. But I did it, and it was so empowering knowing that I could take care of a whole other tiny human being like that. I mean... I had to have been 22...23 maybe. I grew up really fast when I had her. But honestly, you have that paternal bone. I didn't and had to learn it as I went. It comes naturally for you though." he told her. "Honest."July 10, 2020

Jaycee.

”Did we listen to our parents?” Tilting her head with a shit eating grin on her face, followed by the look of come on now, we’re not that old! “She gets her stubbornness from you and Ali. You more so!” She teased him, not able to not laugh. Looking down at Levi sleeping peacefully and hummed, wishing she was holding him still. Jaycee loved holding sleeping babies so much, she missed the snuggles of Destiny as a tiny baby. “I feel like she’s grown in a blink, man.” She shook her head, playing with her glass of water. Jaycee truly missed this normalcy with her best friend, they had been through too much to not be in one another’s lives. “I think you did awesome, you hardly needed my help. I observed trust me!” She chuckled softly. “Thank you, I wish I was in his life sooner. Like I missed so much, but I don’t know.. He just. I love him.” She shrugged with a soft smile. “Like with my princess..” she made a silly face at Destiny to play with her. “I would never not treat her as my blood, I loved her the second you introduced us. I feel that for him too.” She nodded her head, as if agreeing with herself in some way. “I can’t wait to be a mom now, and that scares me. I have always been so scared to be like my mom if I had a daughter. I refused to even think of being a mom. Now as time has passed and I’ve watched this angel grow and how happy she makes you. I want that, and I believe I can be better than my mom, ya know?”July 11, 2020

Aaron.

Oh, god. They never listened to their parents. Always sneaking off and getting into some kind of trouble when they were kids. "If Des is gonna take after her father, then she won't listen to me at all." she said, looking over at his blonde-haired kid who was more interested in her drawing than the conversation. "Yeah we're both pretty hard headed, but hopefully that'll make her a little badass." he mused. He truly hoped that one day his daughter would grow up to be able to control a room like her parents. "I know, you better cherish these terrible twos," he said as he pointed to the sleeping toddler, "because they honestly aren't so bad coming out of it." he told her. "Thanks, I think I did pretty good too." he sang. Aaron smiled lightly at Jaycee when she told him that she loved that toddler. Jaycee was so full of love; people should consider themselves lucky to be loved by her because she loved so hard. The businessman shook his head. "You're nothing like your mom, J." he promised her. "You're going to be a great mom." he gave her a reassuring smile. "By the way, I brought you your birthday present." He said, as he grabbed the gift bag from under the double stroller and slid it across the table to her. "It's that bag you wanted in Paris and another thing I just bought for you recently." With he breakup, he had been doing a little too much retail therapy.July 18, 2020

Jaycee.

”See what these two don’t realize is we have technology on our side.” She laughed as she took a drink. God they would have been dead if their parents had use of technology like they do now. Jaycee knew her niece was destined to do amazing things with her life. She has so many people that love her and want to see her thrive. And if Levi is like his daddy, she knows he’ll be okay too. “I mean if I get stressed over tantrums. I end up laughing about it later. So far, he hasn’t had that many. Thank god. And you should feel like you have, because you definitely have, Aaron.” Knocking on the wood as to not jinx herself. “In the end I just want them to happy, safe and healthy.” Jaycee ran the back of her fingers over the sleeping boys chubby cheeks. “I want to be a mom so bad, always have..” she said almost absent mindedly, clearing her throat as she looked at the gift back. “Aaron..” she closed her eyes remembering what she told him to do with the bag.. “I don’t deserve anything. I was really rude.. This.” Waving at their table. “Is enough, for me.” Opening the present she smiled at the purse and tried it on, it was so pretty and just what she envisioned. Noticing something else in the gift back she grabbed it and looked up at him while opening it slowly. “Aaron..” she said slowly, laughing faintly. Her jaw dropping, then closing. “It’s beautiful..” she got up and hugged him tightly. “Thank you both for the gifts..” After their hug she sat back down just in time for their food to be brought out, and like clock work Levi woke up, reaching for her. “Her, little buddy” she cooed as she got him settled in her lap and helped him eat, while trying to eat her food as well.July 19, 2020

Aaron.

Aaron snorted. "God, it's like that Black Mirror episode when the mom puts a chip in daughter so that she can see and hear everything she does." He joked. "I'm pretty sure the daughter ended up killing her mom at the end of that show. In all honesty, I can't blame her; that was wack." He chuckled to himself, then shook his head. "Yeah, they are really annoying at the time but when it's all over and done with and you have some time to yourself or when they start being cute again, you forgive them quickly and try to be understanding." He nodded, then glanced briefly over at his kid. He blue eyes fell to Jaycee and the toddler as she mused about having a baby. He knew she wanted one, and she knew chances of having one of her own were slim. Which broke his heart because he knew it broke hers. He still had faith she was going to find someway to be a mom. "No, you deserve it. But I'm happy that you're happy with this." He gave her a comforting smile. "You're welcome. I'm glad you like them." He grinned to himself, then stood up to hug her tightly. Aaron thanked the server when they brought out the food and started cutting up his kid's food for her and told her several times that she needed to wait for her food to cool down for a couple more seconds before she put a hot fry in her mouth.

Jaycee.

Jaycees head fell back as she laughed at his statements of how whack that situation is. “I can’t with you..!” She continued to giggle, sighing as she finally stopped laughing. A few short chuckles here and there. “Oh, I can’t stay mad at them. Neither of these two could ever make me not love them. Even if someone gets sassy and adult like.” She looked over at her niece who was still in her own world, smirking. “This one, is gonna have so many after him too and ugh. I have stressed over Des, and now Levi. Lord, imma need Xanax or something.” She joked easily, but it was the truth. She hated the idea of Des growing older, but loved watching her grow.  Oh the confusion of loving a child. And now add in Lanes boy. “How could I not love him, he’s beautiful, and so sweet.” She did have a bit of sadness behind her eyes with the cards she’d been dealt, but he dulled the ache. Letting the food cool she put Levi in his seat and opened the box again and took it out trying to get it on. Jaycee chewed on her tongue while having a struggle. Sighing, she laughed and smiled at her friend sweetly. “Will you help me?” She asked as she held her tiny wrist out with the bracelet dangling.July 21, 2020

Aaron.

Just the sound of his friend's laugh made his grin even wider. He shook his head when they finally stopped laughing. "Listen, she likes to think she's grown, and had no idea that she's gonna want to be a kid again when she actually is grown." He mused. Aaron shook his head once again. "You won't need Xanax, Jayc. You're gonna do just fine, promise." He reassured his friend. Aaron smiled, pleased that she wanted to put the piece of jewelry on now. He put the bracelet around her wrist and clasped the chain together, thick fingers fumbling to get the hook through the tiny hole. "There. Beautiful." He mused when he finally was able to get it around her slim wrist. He picked his fork back up and continued with his food, checking in with Des to make sure that she was doing okay and encouraging her to take a few more bites of food when she insisted that she was done. "Thanks for suggesting this." He smiled.July 22, 2020

Jaycee.

”I know if I could go back I would at certain times of course..” she smiled and helped Levi with his drink, while Aaron struggled to get her bracelet on. “It’s really pretty, thank you..” she said softly, with a soft smile as she looked at it. Grabbing her fork she took a small bite, and chewed really slow. “I just missed my best friend.. And even if I can’t ever forgive you for what you did, I’m gonna try..” she looked into his blue eyes. Of course she was still hurt and hated what they both selfishly did. It was bad enough certain people that were her friends encouraged if. Clearing her throat, finding herself giggling at how this little guy was ogling over Destiny. “Someone so has a crush, he keeps trying to wink.” She looked at Destiny with a soft wink, leading Levi to try to wink, only for him to close both eyes. “This is so good, there’s almonds in this salad, and the flavors with the avocado and dressing.. Wanna try a bite.” She totally wasn’t offering so she could try some of Aaron’s, I mean that’d be rude right. But, if he offered she’d gladly oblige. “You know those fried onions you put on like green bean casserole? I accidentally put those in my salad the other day, but oh my god! It was so full of flavor. Gotta try it.!” She stayed as she pointed her fork at him, giggling.

Aaron.

"I missed you too, Jaycee." Jaycee was such a forgiving and loving person; even if she never fully forgave him he knew that their friendship wouldn't be over. Aaron was fucking happy to have his best friend back too. He was really struggling without her. Aaron looked at the five year old who tried and failed to wink back at the woman. The bar owner let out a short cackle. His attention turned to her salad, and he stabbed several pieces her food with her fork. "Everything is better with almonds and onions." He mused. "Here..." He said, pushing his salad towards the petite woman, giving her the go ahead to try some of his food. This was like old times. Plus an extra kid this time. Things were changing though. Aaron never thought he'd be in this position before with anyone, much less Jaycee; his best friend since as long as he could remember. Aaron was a parent, and now Jaycee was nearly a parent to Levi. He thought about when they were kids themselves; how simpler things were back then and how he never imagined the pair would end up here. This was a good start though, and the weight he had on his shoulders about how he treated Jaycee was starting to come off his shoulder. He just hoped she would forgive him eventually and he was willing to give her as much time as she possibly needed.

[crossbows-and-moonshine]

Into My Web (Chapter 5)

I only have one chapter after this written up, so you guys might have to be patient for updates with me. I'm not doing so great motivation wise.

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“Ya like that princess?” Daryl purred in her ear as he curled his fingers inside of her. She gasped, her back arching as he hit that sweet spot and a needy moan left her lips. She felt him smirk against her ear and she nodded, unable to even speak as another moan left her lips.

“Such a good girl Belle, cum for me sweetheart,” he demanded, his hot breath tickling her ear. His tone sent a thrill right through her and she felt the pleasure building up, creeping its way through her body.

Arabella gasped as her eyes shot open, her breathing ragged. She jumped out of her skin when she saw the very man from her dream stood over her, watching her with a furrowed brow. She was pretty sure she was blushing from head to toe.

“Bad dream? Was thrashin’ around somethin’ fierce,” he asked, a frown still etched on his face. She felt like she blushed harder if that was even possible and nodded, the movement jerky. What the fuck was that? Dreaming of Daryl that way, where the fuck had that come from? He was watching her warily as she sat up, her hair awry and her cheeks all pink. It made him swallow thickly and look to the floor.

“Thought we’d start practice early,” he muttered, still glaring at the floor feeling awkward. Seeing her like this made him feel weird. It felt vulnerable almost, watching her dream like that, seeing her body thrash about like she was in pain. He didn't like it. And now she was blinking up at him with her wide doe eyes and it made his stomach feel fucking weird and he didn't like it one fucking bit.

“Uh...I’ll be right out,” she whispered, her chest still heaving as he glanced at her. He nodded and swiftly left, going to wait for her outside. She sat there for a minute, holding a hand over her heart like she was trying to calm the wild beating in her chest. She had no idea where the fuck that had come from. When she gathered herself, she got dressed, grabbing her bow on the way as she headed outside. Daryl was waiting for her and when she saw him, she blushed again. She hoped to God that would stop before he noticed and asked her about it. He eyed her carefully as she made her way over, she looked spooked almost and he wondered just how bad the dream had to be to get her this rattled, he didn't know why he cared so much.

“Wanna talk about it?” he asked before his brain could stop him. She looked at him confused for a moment, just blinking those stupid fucking pretty eyes at him.

“The dream,” he elaborated when she continued to look confused. Her eyes widened and her cheeks flushed crimson. He narrowed his eyes a little, wondering if she was embarrassed he had caught her having a nightmare. Maybe she thought he would take the piss. In the past he might have, but for some reason with all the time they had been spending with each other lately, he didn't really want to be an asshole so much.

“Oh..uh...no. It's okay,” she muttered tensely, looking at the floor and glaring at it.

“Don't need to be embarrassed, think we all have nightmares these days,” he shrugged casually, hoping to ease some of her embarrassment. She felt bad that he thought she had a nightmare, in a way she fucking did. She didn't know why he seemed like he cared but it didn't help any with the way she was feeling, left over tingles from her dream. She just nodded, giving him the best smile she could muster in hopes he would leave her alone if he thought she was okay. It seemed to work as he nodded back and made his way over to the target she had set up the other day.

She loaded her bow, but shot after shot, no matter how much she listened to Daryl’s instructions, she kept missing and it was frustrating them both.

“For fuck sake, yer distracted, just tell me about the damn dream so ya can get it off ya chest and aim right!” Daryl growled after the billionth time she missed. She looked at him mortified, like fuck she was telling him about the dream.

“I can’t, it's embarrassing,” she muttered, dropping the bow as she flopped to sit down, leaving some distance between them. He turned to look at her, his face stern.

“If ya wanna go out there and hunt with me, ya need to fuckin’ aim right. Somethin’s in ya damn head and its makin’ ya lose focus. So just spill it,” he demanded. His tone made her feel all kinds of funny, remembering how he demanded she cum for him in her dream. She felt the heat sweep up through her body as he glared at her.

“I had a...sex dream,” she admitted reluctantly, her face flaming.

Daryl blinked at her for a moment, his mind casting back to seeing her in bed, and damn if that didn't put things in perspective. He wouldn't be able to get that image out of his mind anytime soon now he had that information.

“And that bothers ya why?” he asked warily, feeling awkward now and regretting asking in the first place.

“It was just...unexpected, who it was,” she said, not looking at him as she picked the blades of grass beneath her. Daryl squinted a little, he started to feel a tightness in his chest that he didn't like.

“Who was it?” he asked, not sure he wanted to know. She swallowed thickly, her cheeks still blushing and avoiding his eyes.

“No one here, someone from before,” she lied, not having any desire to tell him the truth lest she die of embarrassment. The tightness in his chest got worse as a feeling washed over him. Jealousy, that's what that was. It only made him more irritated that he was feeling that at all. Why did he care who she fucked in her dreams?

“Well, ya need to stop bein’ a damn prude, get the fuck over it and aim right,” he snapped, much harsher than he intended. She looked at him then, her jaw set as the embarrassment worked its way through her.

“I'm not a prude you asshole,” she growled, glaring at him.

“Sounds like it. Ya had a dirty dream? Who the fuck cares, get over it, don’t mean shit,” he huffed, standing up and brushing himself off. Her nostrils flared as she stood up, grabbing her bow and storming off.

“Oh what? Ya just gon’ give up now princess?” he called after her. She didn't even turn to look at him though as she pushed the doors open with too much force and they slammed behind her. She felt fucking embarrassed. He had been the one to ask, to seem like he actually cared, and then he acts like that. Fuck him.

Daryl growled as he watched her go, knowing he had fucked up. The peace between them gone now he had to let his feelings get the best of him. He was perturbed by the fact he cared at all, that he got jealous in the first place. He didn't want those feelings, especially with the fucking prissy bitch of the group. He kicked the target harshly and knocked it over as he stomped off, going to hunt without her. He needed to fucking kill something.

Arabella stormed through the prison and she saw Maggie chatting to Glenn and Sasha. She grabbed her wrist and dragged her away without a word, leaving Maggie to look at her husband quizzically as she allowed the girl to drag her to her cell.

“What's wrong?” Maggie asked concerned as soon as they were in her cell, seeing how spooked the girl looked.

“I had a dirty dream about Daryl,” she blurted. She needed to get it off her chest or it would eat her alive and she knew she could trust Maggie. Maggie's eyes widened before a grin split her face.

“Oh my God, you like him!” she beamed, making Arabella flush as she scowled at her.

“No I don't. I thought about it and it was yesterday, when we went hunting together. He was just so...manly. And clearly my brain melted and my hormones went a little weird ‘cause I haven't gotten laid in ages,” she rambled, making Maggie smirk at her.

“You like him,” she repeated with a sly smirk. Arabella growled at her as she flopped onto the bed.

“What do I do Mags?” she whined pitifully. Her friend sat next to her, taking her hand and squeezing it.

“Well you know I think he likes you deep down, so maybe you should make a move, see what he does?” she suggested.

Arabella sat up and looked at her like she was insane.

“Are you kidding? He’d probably shove a bolt right up my ass, he doesn't like me Maggie. He just shouted at me and called me a prude,” she huffed. Maggie looked at her quizzically so she explained what transpired between them. From Daryl being there when she woke up, to her admitting her dirty dream and lying about who it was with.

“It sounds like he got jealous honestly,” Maggie mused after thinking about it, Arabella gave her that look again that told her she was crazy.

“I need to just get over it. I mean it's just a crush, right? From seeing him out there, it has to go away right? Right?” she looked pleadingly at her friend and Maggie just smiled sympathetically. She remembered how she felt when she realised she liked Glenn.

“I don't know, you could see if it goes away, but if it doesn't, I still say you should make a move. Lord knows Daryl won't,” she snorted.

Arabella successfully avoided Daryl for the rest of the day, but her mood turned sour when she was informed he had gone hunting without her. She was outside with Beth when he came back and she noticed he only had squirrels strapped to him, giving her a smug satisfaction that he had caught nothing better without her. As he strode up the path, their eyes locked. She glared at him and his eyes turned cold as he walked right past her. After sitting with Beth some more and brooding, she decided she needed to do something. And that something was stabbing walkers through a fence to alleviate her frustration. When she was done she went back inside to clean up. She got out the sundress she had found and nibbled her lip, deciding to put it on. She kept her knee-high combat boots on and she felt good. It wasn't too dressy, it looked apocalyptic chic and she snorted to herself. It fell to just above her knees and the thin material clung to her in all the right places.

She walked downstairs and she saw Daryl sat with Maggie and Glenn. Maggie called her over. She heaved a sigh as she walked over to them, trying to ignore the glare Daryl was sending her way.

“I love that dress!” Maggie gushed, taking some of the material in her hands and rubbing it.

“It's so soft,” she whispered like it was some big secret and Arabella smirked at her friend.

“I know right?” She grinned at her.

“You look so pretty,” Maggie smiled at her, making her cheeks flush.

“Thank Mags,” she smiled back.

“Don't you think she looks pretty guys?” Maggie asked, making Arabella roll her eyes a little.

“Yeah,” Glenn shot her a smile.

“Daryl? Don't you think she looks pretty?” Maggie asked pointedly. Arabella glared at her, unaware that Maggie and Glenn had already accused him the other day of liking her. Daryl looked up from his lighter that he was toying with and squinted at Maggie.

He looked over to Arabella, his eyes looking her up and down and she couldn't help the flush that spread over her at his gaze. She was holding her breath as she looked down, her dream still fresh in her mind. He smirked inwardly at her reaction, he found a weird satisfaction of making the pretty rich girl blush under his gaze like that.

“S’alright,” he shrugged casually. Arabella felt the disappointment swell inside of her but she didn't know why she expected any different. Like he would ever say something nice about her, especially in front of people.

“Daryl! You can't say that, she looks pretty, just admit it!” Maggie pressed, making Arabella wish she was anywhere but here.

“Fine, she looks pretty. Anyone with eyes can see she’s fuckin’ pretty, ya happy now?” Daryl glowered, going back to flicking his lighter and glaring at it. Of course she was pretty, she was always fucking pretty and it wound him up relentlessly. He had noticed the second she walked down the stairs that she was wearing that dress. The one she had got when out with him. The one he had been an asshole to her about for the simple fact that he couldn't help but wonder just what she would look like with it on. And now he was getting to see just how it looked when the thin black material clung to her curvy body and her tiny little waist. He snapped his lighter shut harshly, bringing himself back to reality. A reality where the pretty rich girl despised him and wouldn't ever look at him that way.

Arabella stood stock still as she blinked at him in shock, Maggie looked at her with a sly grin as Glenn smirked to himself.

“You hear that Bella? Anyone with eyes can see you're pretty,” Maggie smirked smugly. Hearing his own words repeated to him like that was fucking embarrassing when he realised what he had said and he glanced at the girl in question warily. She wasn't looking at him though, she was toying with her hands as she blushed. It felt weird seeing her that way. She was usually shouting at him with her eyes ablaze but right now she looked doe-like, with her big eyes as she stood there all shy and coy. She looked submissive almost and the very thought went straight to his dick and he had to look away from her to quell those thoughts.

Beth came over breaking the awkwardness that fell over them with a smile on her face.

“Tyreese wants y’all to meet him in the library,” she said softly before once again disappearing. Arabella looked to Maggie confused but she shrugged as they all went to see what the man wanted them for. When they got there, Tyreese grinned at them.

“Look what I found on the run today,” he said as he set the bottle of Jack Daniels on the table. Arabella’s eyes widened, feeling weird about seeing the bottle of her family’s whiskey in front of her for the first time in ages.

“Would ya look at that princess?” Daryl smirked, sensing her discomfort. She squinted at him as the four of them sat on the floor on a circle. She was in between Daryl and Maggie.

“Is Rick okay with this?” Maggie asked looking at Tyreese.

“Yeah, Sasha’s taking watch and the rest of them didn't want to join. He said we deserve some time off for good behaviour,” he smirked. That sounded good to her, God knows she needed a fucking drink.

Tyreese opened the bottle and poured the liquid into some glasses he had found.

“Bet yer old man loved profitin’ off the drunks huh?” Daryl sneered as he shot her a look. The fire ran right through her body at the mention of her father and she couldn't stop her mouth from opening.

“What’s wrong Dixon, jealous?” she spat, glaring hard at him.

“Jealous of what? The prissy bitch that probably had her ass wiped for her?” he scoffed, shaking his head.

“That you're just white trash that lived in a trailer park, you probably fucked your pet pig because no one wanted you,” she hissed at him. Silence descended on them all and she knew she probably took it too far but she didn't care. In all their arguments he never once brought her family into it. Her dead family. There was a line they didn't cross and he just crossed the fucking line so far he couldn't even see it any more.

He turned to her with his jaw set like stone and they glared at each other.

“Alright! I think the two tensest people in the room should drink up!” Tyreese declared, trying to break the tension as he handed them their glasses. Arabella wasted no time in downing her drink in one fluid motion and Daryl watched her warily. It hadn't occurred to him until now about her drink problem and he wondered if it was such a good idea for her to be drinking. He might have been impressed with how easy it was for her to drink the whiskey if it wasn't for the knowledge of her past. He tore his eyes away from her, ignoring the feeling inside of him that he wasn't familiar with and he drank his drink in one.

Some time passed with them all drinking and thankfully Daryl didn’t utter another word to her. Soon enough Maggie passed out and a drunk Glenn hauled her off to bed. Then Tyreese went to use the bathroom and never returned. She was unsure if he went to bed or if he passed out in there, she was too drunk to really care. She sat in silence with the hunter as she picked at the label of the nearly empty bottle. Daryl chewed his thumb. When he was drunk, it always went two ways. He was either mean or soft. And today he was apparently soft because the guilt was creeping in about what he had said about her father.

He had seen it the second those words left his lips. The brief flash of pain before her eyes hardened. He knew he overstepped the mark and now he felt fucking bad about it. They said a lot of shit about their pasts when they argued, but never about family. If he was honest, she only ever said shit about his past when he said shit about hers first. All of the arguments were started by him when he thought about it. She never once brought up Merle. He knew she knew about him despite not meeting him. He knew she had heard the stories, yet even with all the ammunition she would need to push that button, she never did. And here he was saying shit about her dad that was dead, and by something Beth once said, she had been there to see the gruesome death.

“M’sorry, about what I said. ‘Bout yer dad,” he muttered. He caught her off guard and she looked at him, blinking slowly through the fog of her alcohol-soaked brain. He glanced at her and he genuinely looked sorry. His intense gaze made her look down with a sigh.

“It's okay. I’m sorry about what I said... about you fucking a pig,” she said softly making him snort a little.

“S’alright, I've fucked some ugly bitches but I ain't fucked no damn pig,” he huffed a laugh. Her lips quirked up and she glanced at him. She hadn’t ever heard him laugh before, her fuzzy brain liked it.

“Maybe we need some rules about arguing,” she said wryly, making him snort at her.

“Rules about bein’ assholes to each other?” he asked as he looked at her.

“Yeah,” she grinned. He looked away with a smile and shook his head.

“Like not bringin’ our families into it,” he suggested, making her nod.

“Or pet pigs,” she added, making him bark a laugh.

They looked at each other for a moment and it was intense, her drunk brain kept replaying her dream and she blushed, looking down, but he kept looking at her. He couldn't seem to tear his eyes away from those pretty pink cheeks.

“Sorry about yellin’ at ya before too, callin’ ya a prude,” he said softly making her look at him with those shiny blue eyes. The alcohol loosened his lips it seemed and the apologies didn't seem to want to end.

“It's fine. You were right, I was distracted. It's just weird dreaming about someone when you're around them all the time,” she muttered, too drunk to even realise what she was saying. Daryl squinted at her for a moment as the words sunk in.

“Wait a minute, ya said it was someone from yer past. Ya lied? Its someone here?” he asked warily, not sure he wanted to know the answer. Having her dreaming of someone who wasn't here was one thing, but someone who she might possibly start up something with sent a fire through his veins that he hated, his jealousy ranking up several notches.

Her eyes widened and she looked down, confirming his suspicions and he clenched his jaw.

“Let me guess, Rick?” he asked, a bitter tone to his voice. She shook her head unable to look at him. He continued to list every male there and she shook her head every time.

“Well it sure as fuck ain't Carl or Hershel,” he frowned, and she glared at the floor realising he had backed her into a corner. She stayed silent as the pieces clicked together in his mind.

“Me?” he asked, like it was so absurd to even consider. If they weren't drunk neither of them would have the balls to be talking about this. She looked up, her cheeks crimson and his eyebrows almost shot off his head. He had no idea why the pretty girl would be dreaming of his redneck ass.

“Thought I was just white trash?” he asked harshly, making her frown and look down looking guilty.

“You know I didn't mean that. You just upset me,” she muttered weakly, her brain was feeling way too fuzzy and she didn’t really like it anymore.

She stood up on wobbly legs and looked down at him, watching as he blinked up at her.

“Doesn’t mean anything anyway, like you said, dirty dreams don’t mean shit,” she huffed as she started to walk away, stumbling as she went. Daryl stood, steadier on his feet than her but still a little wobbly. He wasn't sure how to deal with the information. He wasn't even sure he would remember it come morning when the alcohol had worn off. He watched her as she tried to open the door and in her drunk state, she was struggling. He snorted, making her glare at him as he went over and opened it for her.

“You're not allowed to mention this ever again,” she squinted as they walked through the corridors back to the cells.

“Really now? Ya sure ya don't want me to come and fulfil those dreams?” he smirked at her, laughing when she groaned in embarrassment.

“I’m never gonna live this down am I?” she sighed, making him grin beside her.

“Nah, shouldn't have told me. My heads gettin’ pretty big,” he teased, making her smile and look down. It was nice seeing this side to him, watching him be playful. She found she enjoyed his company like this. When they got to her cell she glanced to him awkwardly, feeling her cheeks heat up.

“Sure ya don't wanna invite me in?” he smirked at her with a quirked brow, making her squint.

“Leave,” she snorted, making him huff a laugh as he took a step backwards.

“Night princess,” he grinned, the word that he usually spat like curse word suddenly didn't sound so bad leaving his lips.

“Night Dixon,” she smiled before slipping into her room with flushed cheeks. Daryl smirked to himself as he made his way to his cell. He never would have guessed she would have dreamt of him like that, not in a million years and it made him feel weird but good at the same time. He flopped onto his bed and closed his tired eyes, biting his lower lip when he replayed the scene from when he woke her up. Watching as her brow furrowed, her back arching a little before she thrashed about. He wondered just what he was doing to her to make her feel like that, and then he found himself wondering if she would ever let him do that for real. He felt his dick harden in his pants and he groaned to himself. Better take care of this ‘fore I get blue balls.

Taglist; @risingphoenix761 @daryldixonandfrogs @arlaina28 @divadinag @easnuppa @fand0m-fiend @jodiereedus22 @keeperofwonderlandus @txladyj-blog @walkingdead-dixon  

[aggedyann]

Introducing some of my OCs. I have some descriptions posted in my feed...is there a way to sticky that? Also if anyone can explain how to put this behind a cut. I’m not real familiar with tumblr.

Anyway, navigating the office with a cold...

Tuesday, but with Sneezing

Tim had come home from work yesterday, sneezed 16 times and immediately left again to go buy a box of Kleenex. He’d gone to bed that night with a vaguely sore throat and a stuffy, tickly, nose. Something that hadn’t changed when he woke up this morning.

“Huhhyehhshoo, ehhhshoo.” As soon as he’d opened his eyes, he’d sneezed. He’d grabbed some cold medicine and swallowed that down with coffee and oatmeal. He was not looking forward to work. Colds were always an issue in their shared space. First, Alex was in and out, and no one wanted to get the boss sick, especially if it might screw up the show. Ella was always nagging at Freddie or whoever not to get her sick…again. Freddie was always so obviously sick, at least on the first day, and everyone, himself included, gave Freddie so much crap about it, that he didn’t want that. And Sam and her damn bleach wipes. Yeah, announcing he had a cold might not be the best idea.

“Hayyahhshoo…ahhShoo.” He blew his nose again, groaning as he locked the door. He certainly wasn’t going to be able to hide it. His sneezes ran on the quieter side of loud, always in pairs and were as such, certainly noticeable. He couldn’t stifle a sneeze or fight one back if his life depended on it. And Freddie, Freddie always seemed to *know* when Tim had a cold. Besides, he was known to go days without sneezing…and now to be suddenly sneezing like this? Yeah, he couldn’t hide it either.

‘Maybe,’ he mused, getting into the car, ‘maybe the best thing to do, was nothing.’ Just go to work and act like it was any other Tuesday, only with extra sneezing. He drove to work, hoping it was just him, being aware that he was sick, being aware of how much he was sniffling. He found a spot in the lot and parked. He stuffed a pocket with tissues, tossed the box into his backpack, and headed in.

He was met at the elevator by Sam and Ella. “Hey.” He greeted them, wondering if they noticed the congestion in his voice. The engaged him in conversation about the previous day’s show and what each had done last night without seeming to. “Freddie will be late.” He said, glancing at his phone, as they entered the office.

“So, business as usual.” Sam stated, sitting down and turning on her computer. At this point, no one knew why Freddie texted Tim that he’d be late almost every single morning, other than that Tim was usually the first one in the office by at least 5 minutes. Well, everyday, except today. Today he’d been right on time with Sam and Ella.

He powered on his laptop, clearing his throat. “Brainstorm for an hour and then circle up like usual?” He took a sip of his coffee and, of course, swallowed wrong. He wrapped his arm over his face and turned towards the wall, coughing harshly. The coughing fit that resulted was probably about 40% the result of aspiration on the coffee and more 60% his cold and took a minute to run its course. When he turned back to the room, the girls, and now Freddie were pretending they hadn’t been staring at him. He held up his coffee mug. “Swallowed wrong.” He explained, sheepishly.

Freddie nodded as Sam and Ella got back to work on their computers. He could feel Freddie’s glance on him for a moment, but that soon faded. They fell quickly into their review of current events and easy chatter filled the room, each writer making notes for when they huddled up.

It was when they were on their way to the table in the center of the room that Tim sneezed for the first time since coming to work. “Ahshoo…Hayyahhshoo.”

“Bless you.” Freddie said, and again, Tim could feel him scrutinizing him.

“Thanks,” Tim sniffled, pulling a tissue out of his pocket and blowing his nose as softly as possible. Still sniffly, he sat down at the table. He noticed how runny his nose was, and didn’t want to draw attention to himself by excessively sniffling or by giving his nose the blowing his cold was demanding. “Before we start, I’m gonna run to the restroom quick.” He excused himself.

He leaned against the wall in the small room and gave his nose several strong blows, then washed his hands. Returning to the writers’ office, he cheerily said “let’s get to work.”

As they progressed in topics, he was painfully aware of how often he was sniffling. He was clearing his throat practically every time he spoke. He just prayed no one noticed.

It was another hour before he sneezed again. “Hehhshooo, Heyehhshoo, ehhyehhshoo, ehhhshoo.”

“Bl-“ Ella started.

He held up his hand to stop her, arm still wrapped around his face. “More comi- ihhshoo, ihhhihhshoo, Hihhschoo, Heyehhshoo!” He straightened up and noticed Freddie offering tissues, which he gratefully accepted.

“Bless you.” Ella ventured again.

“You’re getting a pretty solid cold there.” Freddie commented.

Tim looked at him. “How’d you know?”

“You’re pale. You look tired. You’re sniffling. You’re congested. You’re hoarse. You clear your throat every time you speak. When you came back from the bathroom, your nose was red. And it’s certainly not like you to sneeze 10 times in less than 3 hours.”

Tim sniffed. “Yeah. I’ve got a cold.” He saw Sam start to get up for her desk where she kept her bleach wipes and groaned. “Please, no.”

She stopped. “They make you sneeze.” She sighed.

“Yeah.”

“And then I’ll have to use them more.”

“And then I’ll sneeze more.” He pointed out. “Can we work something out on their use?”

She nodded. “Every hour?” She proposed.

“Every two?” He shot her a pleading look. “My nose is already irritated.”

It took her a second, but she nodded. “Every two, starting now.” She said as Tim pulled a bottle of hand sanitizer from his pocket and set it on the table. She wiped down the table, Tim’s desk and keyboard as well as all the other common surfaces.

Freddie went over and snagged the box of tissues off his desk. “You’ll probably want these.”

“There’s a box in my bag.” Tim told him. “Grab that instead of yours.”

Freddie pulled the tissues out of Tim’s backpack. “You want cough drops?” At Tim’s nod, he grabbed a bag out of his desk. He set the tissues and cough drops next to Tim. “Back to work?” He asked looking at the team.

They settled back in as Alex arrived to go over what they’d worked on. Alex wrinkled his nose at the smell of bleach and took stock of the tissues and cough drops next to Tim. “Got a cold?” He took his seat at the head of the table.

Tim coughed into his sleeve. “Yeah.” He hoarsely admitted.

“Sucks, man. Get to work?”

Ella requested a quick chance to grab coffee before starting and ducked out of the room, checking if anyone needed any.

Despite the assurances that everyone was fine, beverage-wise, she returned with two cups. She slid one in front of Tim. “Tea,” she explained at his quizzical look. “With honey. Your voice is starting to sound painful.”

He smiled. “Thanks.”

“Ok, ready?” Alex asked.

“Hold on.” Tim gasped, turning away from the table. “Huhhhehhshoo, eckshoo.”

“Bless you.” Alex said, raising his eyebrows and tilting his head at Sam, who had not, per their agreement, reached for the bleach wipes.

“Thanks. I’m ready now.” He blew his nose and cleaned his hands.

They reviewed jokes for the next hour and a half, focusing on Alex’s monologue before heading to rehearsal, Sam sanitizing the office before they left. Tim made it through rehearsal, with only one double making it’s way out.

Heading back to the writer’s room, Tim stopped, braced himself on the wall and let loose with four strong sneezes. “Huhhshoo, huhhyuhhshoo, huhhrahhashoo, ahshoo.”

“Bless you” Sam told him. “I hope you can get some rest tonight. You do look awfully tired.”

He nodded, sniffling as they walked back to the writer’s room. “Yeah, couldn’t stay asleep last night.”

He snatched a tissue out of the box on Ella’s desk as they walked by and blew his nose again.

The five of them sat down and fine tuned the jokes for tonight before Alex headed in to taping. They gave Tim headset duty, and he only deafened Alex once when a set of sneezes snuck up on him too quick to move the mic away; the other two times, he’d had enough warning to move it. Sam, of course, wiped down the mic as soon as the show was over.

Post show, the four writers returned to their office to shut down for the night. Tim noticed he had a text message from Alex – “stop in and see me before you go home 🙂”

‘Great’ Tim thought. “I’m gonna get crap for sneezing in his ear all show.’ The cold medicine had worn off without him realizing it just before showtime. Ducking his head into his arm again, he muffled a powerful double into his elbow. “Heyyehhschuhh, Ehhschuhh.”

A chorus of bless yous met him as he raised his head and blew his nose yet again. Sanitizing his hands, he thanked them and shut down his computer.

“Get some rest, man.” Freddie told him.

“Thanks. Gotta see Alex before I go, but I’m heading out now. Probably wants to give me hell for sneezing in his ear all show.”

Sam chuckled. “Yeah…that was…you could have warned us.”

“No time.” Tim shrugged, zipping up his backpack and heading down the hall to Alex’s office.

“What’s up?” He asked, pulling a packet of cold medicine out of his pocket and picking at the foil. Alex gestured he should come in. Tim went in as Alex stood up and came over. “Sorry for all the sneezing in your ear.” He apologized, holding up the cold medicine. “Missed the time for this.”

Alex shrugged. “The last two were the only ones that surprised me since you didn’t move the mic. You get gaspy before you sneeze, so I had warning. Not what I wanted to ask you about.”

“Oh?” Tim swallowed the pills with a sip from his water bottle.

“How’d you do it?”

“Do what?”

“Come in with a cold, and not have freakouts and bleach wipes everywhere.” Alex knew the dynamics of the room when it came to colds. His allergies often came under scrutiny. “I know you didn’t announce it. And I *know* you can’t hide it.”

Tim shrugged. “I didn’t say anything. Let them figure it out. Decided to treat it as any other Tuesday, only, you know, with sneezing.”

Alex laughed as Tim turned and sneezed again, fishing a tissue out of his pocket.

Alex put a hand on his back, “Up for dinner or do you want to go home and rest?”

“I still need to eat.” Tim told him as they walked out together.

[dreamersscape]

In honor of the anniversary of @sylvi10's birth, here’s a quick excerpt from the second chapter of my long ago endeavor to chronicle Allan’s parallel view of the series’ events, because if @nettlestonenell​ can post in 2018 happiness-through-Allan-centric-fic pursuits years in the making, so can I. (She did it better, but whatcha gonna do?)

>>>>>---------------------->

They rode deep into the forest long after there could be any question of their being followed. Eventually, Robin slowed his horse to a trot and then a halt as they came upon a secluded hollow half-surrounded by high stone faces. Will reined in as well, and they all dismounted.

Robin turned to his manservant, his eyebrows raised speculatively. “This’ll do for a camp right now, don’t you think, Much?”

Much sighed. It was full of long-suffering, as though by now he was well accustomed to making do with wherever his master saw fit to drag him. “I suppose this spot is no worse than any other place in these horrible woods. I am so tired of camping.” He cast a scowl at Robin that was perhaps intended to be withering, but only managed to look supremely annoyed.

“Good.” Robin seemed to pay no mind to Much’s grumbling. He motioned to his bow and quiver. “Let us see what we can scrape together for breakfast, then. You lads up for starting the fire and tending the horses?”

Will nodded and Allan followed suit with a shrug. As Robin and Much traipsed off into the trees, Allan silently mused on why the young noble evidently had no qualms about leaving his only remaining possessions behind with two men who had only yesterday been convicted for stealing. I’d be wise to make off with a horse now, he thought. He’d get away from this forsaken shire with its bloodthirsty sheriffs and lords that didn’t act like they should—not that he didn’t appreciate that, mind—and he’d make a killing when he sold the steed, too. The idea was tempting, wonderfully enticing, but oddly, Allan found he didn’t want to. Not yet, at least. He couldn’t have explained the inclination, except he was somewhat curious what Robin would do now that he was an outlaw.

Will already had the beginnings of a fire underway, so Allan turned to check that the horses weren’t wandering off. He let loose a long breath, comforted by the knowledge that such mundane tasks were the greatest of his concerns at present.

And then the world tilted. Struck by a nauseating wave of vertigo, Allan stumbled through the last few steps to the nearest horse and sagged heavily against its shoulder, the last of the burst of strength and energy which had carried him from Nottingham trickling out of his body. Distantly, he noted with gratitude that, other than flicking an ear in Allan’s direction, his makeshift, equine-shaped support appeared far more interested in inspecting the immediate undergrowth than the bloke invading her personal space. Allan buried his face in the animal’s coarse hair and drew in deep gulps of air. The pungent, earthy musk wafted around Allan, slowly steadying him. After several prolonged moments, his sight stopped spinning and the slight buzzing in his ears fell silent.

Back there, that had been much too close. Allan had run into his fair share of trouble in the past; getting into and squeezing out of dangerous situations was practically his occupation. Or at least it seemed to take up the greater part of his time and attention. But if all those times before had been like looking over the lip of a cliff, skirting the edge of risk and control and safety, then the crushing pressure of the noose curled around his neck had flung him headlong over the side of that precipice. Allan lifted a hand to tenderly probe at the bruised and abraded circle of skin around his neck. The pain, the bone-deep panic, the swirl of breathlessness his world had become—it was more terrifying than anything he had yet experienced. Worst of all, there was nothing he could have done to save himself. A single tremor ran through his body at the thought. If not for Robin--

Allan stiffened and leaned backed from the horse to stand straight. Pathetic, he scolded himself. It’s over, innit? And you survived, just like you always do. No use acting all delicate about it. He sneaked a glance in Will’s direction to make certain his moment of weakness had gone unnoticed. Luckily it had, as Will’s eyes were still firmly fastened on the little blaze he was meticulously nurturing. Allan rearranged his expression into the cool features of indifference and went to seat himself across the fire from the younger man. Will looked up briefly at the nearby rustle of leaves, but it was enough for Allan to observe the angry red spots that clustered around his eyes, standing out all the more against the pallor of Will’s skin. Allan found his vision drawn from them down to the inflamed ring of flesh which reflected his own imprint from the hangman’s rope, and he wondered if his face was also similarly marked. He swallowed and forced himself to look away.

A right pair we make, Allan thought. Out loud, he only said with a nod to the fire, “You’ve a deft hand with that axe.”

Will’s head stayed bowed, but Allan caught a murmured “Thanks.”

Allan squinted. Why hadn’t Will seen his humiliating display over by the horses? His gaze caught on Will’s hands momentarily, realizing that they never seemed to remain still for more than a second or two, and they shook slightly when they weren’t adding a twig to the flames or methodically shredding leaves into tiny pieces.

“Will? Will, the fire’s not gonna die if you stop lookin’ at it, you know.” Allan strove to keep his voice light.

The stick Will held snapped abruptly. His head jerked up, fixing Allan with a searching stare. “Luke and my dad—do you think they made it out of Nottingham alright?”

“Yeah,” Allan said, a little taken aback. “Yeah, I’m sure they’re fine.”

“I lost them before we got out of the courtyard, but I think they were ahead of me. They wouldn’t go back to Locksley, not now, right?” Allan wasn’t altogether sure Will was still speaking to him, but he nodded in what he hoped was an encouraging way. Will’s musings trailed off, possibly removed into his thoughts, and although his anxiety lingered in the wrinkling of his brow and the tightness around his mouth, he appeared significantly more composed. Relieved, Allan lay back on his elbows; his exhaustion had settled deep in his muscles now and it lured him towards slumber with the sweet promise of escape from reliving the near-hanging every time he looked at Will or turned his head and irritated his lacerated skin. Ought to look after Will till the others get back. It was his last thought before his eyes slipped shut.

>>>>>---------------------->

Allan awoke with a start what felt like only a few seconds later to find their other two companions had already returned. Much had made quick work of preparing a pair of rabbits for roasting, and currently he was settling them on a spit over the crackling fire. An uncomfortable twisting in his gut reminded Allan he was in just as much need of a meal as a good, long rest. The Nottingham Castle dungeons were not known for their hospitality, he had learned firsthand.

Will, having been deprived of his fire-tending duties for the time being while Much cooked, announced he was going to gather more kindling. Allan followed the younger man with his eyes as he left. He supposed keeping himself well occupied was Will’s method for easing a restive mind, but Allan wished he would calm down so they could simply forget about the aborted execution. Then again, Allan didn’t have any family members whose whereabouts he worried about. Seeing as Tom had left of his own volition, he didn’t warrant any of Allan’s concern.

Much’s voice cut into Allan’s thoughts, although he spoke to Robin. “Be honest with me. This does not bode well for my lodge, my Bonchurch.”

His lodge? If Robin’s servants have their own lodges…but, well, doesn’t really matter now, does it?

When Robin only raised his eyebrows in answer, Much looked to the heavens in defeat. “I knew it.”

“This is your lodge now, my friends. Sherwood Lodge.” Allan quipped in mild amusement.

“I’m not your friend.“ Much shot back.

Allan rolled his eyes. I wasn’t exactly declaring my deep and abiding love, was I? But before he could make his retort, Robin motioned for quiet and quickly rose to his feet, apparently listening for something only he could hear.

[pumpkin-lith]

Tide pool

I’m in love with @the-last-hair-bender ‘s wonderful Coppertail story and I LOVE the spinoff with fisherman Cody and the side of Echo/Fives that I’m really reallyyyy happy happened. Go read it, it’s awesooome. Mermen AUs are a real weakness of mine, and it’s been gnawing at my mind for several days, so. I got the-last-hair-bender authorisation to play in her sandbox (seabox ?) and I present you more mermen clones :) I hope I did her truly amazing work and worldbuilding justice ! Under a cut, it got long !

Kix stretched as he exited the refuge, smiling when the strong outside wind hit his face. It was always a wonderful thing after being stuck inside for hours. The sun was setting, no clouds above to foretell rain after the large storm of the previous day, nothing prevented him to go back home while walking along the beach. Longer than walking on the pavement, going through the town, but far more beautiful.

He could never understand summer vacationers who fled the beach as soon as it was not bright daylight, with blue sky and sun shining. The sea was beautiful under the darkening sky, mysterious under the moon, awe-striking during a tempest… Moreover, it was always soothing for him. Grounding. After years of chaotic life, something as unchanging as the sea was the best thing in the world. Kix walked along the shore, letting the crashing waves almost lick at his shoes, whistling and letting his mind wander. The peaceful evening took a turn for the weird once he spotted the body.

*

No sane mer left the safety of their reefs during a storm. Most of them loved when the sea came alive, and the currents were strong enough to play, but leaving the reef was a very stupid thing to do. Either you’d get into the open waters and find yourself nose to snout with a predator, or you’d get close to the shore and would end up thrown against the rocks. Neither of those choices were wise.

But, well, Jesse had never said he was used to following his peers expectations. He prefered spending his days at a low pace, drifting close to the sands and talking with the nurse mersharks, than swimming everywhere at once. Prefered making music rather than train for being a guard or something like that. He was a good hunter, had the teeth to prove it, spending his days brawling… no thanks. And, during a storm, he loved nothing more than jump between high waves and let the currents throw him around, swimming faster while pulled along their streams…

But Jesse miscalculated his speed, and ended up too far from the safe limits of the reef barrier and by the time he realized he was too close to the shore, he had hit the first rocks. The currents turned from playful to vicious as they threw him against sharps boulders, plastered him against the sand and choked him, flung him across wooden posts.

Jesse saw the cliffside just before he hit it and tried to protect what he could, curling on himself and his tail wrapping around him, his head between his arms. The shock knocked him out instantly, as the backwash threw him against the rocks again, and again, and again.

*

It was laying in one of the tide pools, next to the cliff, behind the breakwater posts. Something on it had glinted with the setting sun and, if Kix’s eyes hadn’t been sharp, he would never have seen it. As he made his way through the rocks, Kix still hoped it was a shop mannequin, flung to the sea by yesterday’s strong win, rather than a real human. His wish was only half granted. It was real. But it wasn’t quite human. That part stopped at the hips. Under that, it was a long, powerful… tail. Shark, if Kix’s dumbfounded brain could be trusted, a guitar one maybe, with those fins and spots. Persuaded that he was dreaming, probably after falling asleep at his desk at the refuge, Kix kneeled next to the… merman. Well then. He was hurt, that much was clear, cuts and bruise everywhere on his back and arms, deep wounds crusted with blood and sand, the tail twisted unusually on its side. There were bright blue spots all over his body, both tail and skin, a large cluster of it on the side of his face like a tattoo, gills on his neck and flanks, and a large belt made with teeth around his hips. Eyes used to search for anomalies spotted the unusually large torso, a pair or two more ribs than a human, the webbed fingers… This was far too elaborate to be a scam, Kix mused, running a hand across the place where skin left place to the slick tail. He saw no traces of stitches or even glue… And then the corpse opened his eyes and jumped on him. He was heavy and Kix fell back, splashing into the water, the mer flashing teeth as sharp as razors at him, screeching and bearing on him. Kix held him at bay like he could, thrashing and thrusting his hands against the mer’s chest, but his mouth was at the same level as the water and he choked on seawater, the salt of it stinging at his eyes, the mer trying to push him under the surface. Kix did the only thing he could think of, basing his guess on how you could deal with sharks, and hit the gills on the creature’s flank as hard as he could. The mer screeched and bolted away from him, raking a clawed hand against Kix’s scalp, making him cry out and curse. Human and mer faced one another, and then the mer turned away and swam away… Until he realised he was trapped. It was low tide, and he was in a pool, dozens of miles away from the sea.

The mer turned wary eyes towards Kix, hissing and spitting like daring him to come closer. Like if. Kix was very happy to stay away from the clawed, toothed impossibility in front of him, thank you.

*

Jesse might have panicked slightly when he woke, in pain and aching, to too-warm fingers proding at his hip and the first thing he saw was legs. All guilt he might have had for jumping the human fled when the damn landwalker kicked him in the gills, though, and he had been fully ready for a very dignified fleeing. Except he couldn’t. Because the sea had gone and left him behind and until it came back… he was trapped, at the human’s mercy.

And he had just tried to kill him. Good job, dolphin-brain.

Jesse settles for hissing and looking menacing, hoping the human will go away. Because now that surprise isn’t on Jesse’s side, he isn’t sure he’ll win if the landwalker attacks. Sure, he’s more powerful and he has his teeth and his claws. But he can feel pain in his tail, twisted cartilage and pulled muscles, and his whole torso aches. Adrenaline fades, leaving him tired. He just wants to lie in the shallow water and wait for the tide, not fight. The human doesn’t attack. But he doesn’t leave, either. He settles on a rock, his… fett in the water and watches him, blood leaking from the wounds Jesse put on the side of his face. And then he starts to talk. Well. Maybe Jesse should have learned human, then.

*

Kix watches as the merman acts like a cornered, wounded animal. He knows better than to go near, he doesn’t want a matched set of wounds on the other side of his head, but he also can’t leave. Instincts, old and new, medic ones and vet ones, are telling him to help but he has no idea where to even begin. Or even approach the frightened, hostile mer. And that’s still a bit of a mindfuck, and Kix isn’t hundred percent sure he’s not hallucinating.

Short of any other ideas, Kix starts to talk to him, soothing words and promises and low, non-threatening voice. Like the fearful or abused animals he gets at the shelter, it’s not what he’s saying that counts but the tone.

He tries it for a few minutes then moves slightly forward. The merman trashes into the water, his tail flinging itself at him, the long, heavy caudal fin almost hitting him in the face. Kix backs off and starts again with the low, soothing sounds. He has time, the tide won’t be back for a few hours yet.

*

Three times, the human talking to him in gibberish with the obvious intent of trying to calm him down tries to approach. Three times, Jesse trashes in the water and snarls, spits water at him and makes shows of lunging forward, claws and teeth bared. But it’s exhausting and he’s feeling his head spin a bit, and the tide is still so far away… The fourth time, Jesse lets the human come close. He’ll let him believe he’s given up and the moment the human tries to do anything, he’ll bury his teeth in his neck and that will solve the problem easily. Except. Except the human doesn’t try to steal his belt, or attack, or drag him to shore. He sits waist deep in the water and touches him fleetingly, a few seconds at most and then his hands retreat and does he takes Jesse for an otter, to pet or to scritches ?? But then, he cups water in his hands and… pours it on Jesse’s injured shoulder ? Uh. Is the human trying to help ?

Turns out he is. He’s rinsing Jesse’s wounds and softly touching the bruises to check for broken bones and he has a thing in a metal can that stinks and stings but does help with the pain when he slathers it on the cuts. And Jesse is tired and the human is strangely warm, so he lets go, relaxing until his back is pressed against the human’s knees, letting him work. Humans are very strange. It’s when the water’s edge starts to rise that Jesse realises what he’s doing. Half lying in a human’s lap, almost purring like a pet ! He throws himself out of the human’s hold, finally able to leave the pool to go back to the sea, ignoring the human’s shouts as he dives far away from the shore.

* Kix stares, a bit dumbfounded, as the merman runs… well, swims out of his reach like the hounds of hell are after him. He looks like an idiot, sitting waist deep into cold seawater, freezing his ass off, the sun gone since long, a half empty tin of antiseptic balm in his hand, his head hurting and itching with his own wounds.

The following morning, the cold and the three deep gouges on the right side of his scalp are the only proofs he has that he hasn’t just had the weirdest dream ever. Kix carefully shaves the hair around the cuts to treat them, debates going to the hospital and decides that he has no idea how to even begin an explanation so in the end, he doesn’t. Won’t be the first time he take care of his own injuries.

As time passes, the cuts heal though they scar and Kix… finds he like the look of them, a bit ragged, one even has sharp angles like a lightning bolt, and he keeps his hair buzzed short on the sides, to show them off. Answering questions about them becomes almost a game and ‘I was attacked by a clawed mershark’ is actually something he says quite often. Most people rolls their eyes or think it’s hilarious.

When he’s working at the shelter, helping the owner clean up or taking care of the paperwork, when his mind can wander, though… he thinks about the mer. Kix hopes he’s okay.

*

Jesse has acted like a rough, uneducated, ungrateful urchin. Once he got chewed out for going near the shore during a storm, the healer congratulated him, though begrudgingly, for taking such care of his wounds. Except, Jesse did not. He hasn’t even touched them. That was all… that was all the human with his weird stinging stinking goo.

The human helped heal his wounds and Jesse almost bit his head off. He deserves to be called a dolphin-brained urchin, he swears. Worse, urchin-brained dolphin. So he goes back -not during a storm, thank you- and waits as long as he dares near to the spot that becomes a tide pool when the sea retreats. Of course, the human isn’t here. Maybe he never does, or only during the low tide, or a thousands other reasons. Jesse just wishes he’ll be lucky, sticks a long piece of wood into the sand and ties the bag to it, before swimming back to the caves.

*

Kix will admit it, he’s stupidly looking forwards to Fridays, when he gets off at just the right time to walk home along the beachfront. And if he stops by a tide pool and grins like an idiot, still hardly believing he got to see a real merman, stroking the three scars on his scalp because they are the proof he did not just had a bad trip… Well. Nobody needs to know. So it understandably pisses him off when he sees trash floating in the tide pool. Litterers are the worst, especially when it comes to the sea. A single plastic bag can kill so many species, it’s ridiculous. With a muttered curse, Kix goes past the breakwaters posts to the pool and frowns at the bag. It’s been tied to a stick, planted in the sand. It looks deliberate rather than just floating trash. Carefully, Kix unties it… and almost gets a fish tail in the face, as two large fishes fret in a panic inside the bag. Startled, Kix drops the bag and the two fishes flee in the water. Uh. A trap, then, rather than trash? But it would not be a very useful one, few fishes are usually stuck in tide pools, even large ones, usually it’s more shrimps and the likes, and the trap was too high, barely hanging in the water instead of submerged… Kix looks the bag over. It’s… strangely made, with a material that looks like a plant, seaweed maybe, and the tie doesn’t look like something that could wield the bag shut once something swam in. The fishes were already in the trap when it was left in the pool. And at the bottom of it...

Kix retrieves the necklace, looking at it with wide eyes. The pendant is truly lovely, a simple stone, shining under the light of the setting sun, blue striped with yellow. It’s transparent and so clear Kix has the very powerful doubt this is a gemstone, not a rock. But it’s the two small shark teeth on each side that make him believe that this was, maybe, left here deliberately.. The last time he saw those kind of teeth, they were on a merman’s decorative belt. Now, he can’t be sure it was intended for him. It could be a thank you, it could be an apology, but it could also very well be some kind of gift to the pool, for keeping the mer alive while he was unconscious or… anything, really. Kix has no idea how that could work, and he does not want to be irrespectful and take something meant for a god or deity or the like. Leaving it in the pool, though, it’s a risk someone else will find and take it…

Kix puts the necklace around his neck. As soon as he’s home, he’ll check the high tide times for the next week, and call the manager to work his timetable around them. Better to be sure, and all that, maybe the mer will come back to check.

And Kix would lie if he pretended he wasn’t excited at the idea of seeing him again.

*

Jesse waits four days before going back to check, partly because he had some things to do and cannot leave the caves all the times, mainly because he’s worried he’ll find his bag untouched, either because the human did not came, or because he refused his apology.

When he gets here, the stick of wood is still planted in the sand, but there is no bag. There is, however, a large shape stuck to it, made with metallic wire, forming an arrow pointing upwards. The tide is high, the surface is at least four meters above him, and Jesse swims up, torn between excitement and anxiety. The human is sitting on the rocks, out of reach of the waves. His smile is blinding, even from afar and he waves and climbs down until he’s at the edge of the water, Jesse carefully winding his way through the submerged rocks to join him. And then he dies, because the human is wearing the necklace, which means his apology is accepted, but he also… he has cut his hair, and Jesse knows the three scars on the side of his head were made by his claws, and the human is putting them on display, for everyone to see and Jesse is blushing so hard at the obvious courtship. Are all landwalkers that forward ?

(Have a bonus MerJesse thanks to that lovely dollmaker and please ignore the awful attempts at designing a big shark teeth)

[redrobin-detective]

Could you do Billy Batson headcanons? That bean is to precious for this world

Muahaha, I was actually going to post hcs about Billy and now I have a reason to. Thanks for that, mused on these while writing my prompt here. Totally want to write more of Billy/Jay and just Billy in general which'll follow this model I created of Billy.

- So thinking on the Cap/Billy dynamic, they’re the same person on a technical level but Captain Marvel is supposedly the embodiment of a purely good mortal while Bill is a kindhearted, but still fallible, human. Billy’s a homeless kid so he’s got his own issues aside from normal human junk. My theory is that the “Bad” parts of Billy are kind of tamped down when he becomes the Captain and the “Best” parts are brought to the surface to form the core of Cap’s personality. Billy as a whole is still there, but one side is more emphasized due to the magic at work. So like Billy can say something (“That asshole’s a real jerk, I’m gonna kick him in the nuts”) and it sort of gets filtered into something more wholesome (“That man is being a jerk, I’m going to kick his butt”). Billy finds it kind of embarrassing at first but he gets used to it, if he concentrates, he can push more of himself onto Cap.

- Going off the point above about Billy being filtered, all the curse words Billy says end up coming across as super PG sayings. Holy shit becomes Cap’s signature Holy Moly. So all this time Cap is saying these adorkably cute exclamations, imagine Billy inside cursing his head off (I laughed, I’m big enough to admit that)

- My version of Billy is mostly the version from Superman/Shazam: The Return of Black Adam short film (if you haven’t seen it, watch it! The bean is so cute), which is kinda similar to the comic Superman/Shazam: First Thunder which I also like. Then a handful of N52 Billy (he’s a dick, but like a realistic kid in his situation so I take that into account) and of course, the ever precious YJ version.

- I like homeless Billy and by that I mean I think it’s interesting to have a homeless hero just for diversity but also to add a different perspective to the League. After giving it some thought, I like the idea of Billy being kind of known as a trouble maker for the State. It’s not his fault, as a kid he just defended people who were being hurt and was always blamed cause the orphan is an easy target. Because of his record, he has a hard time being placed in a foster home so he was on the streets a lot. Finally, he gets into the good home with good people and he becomes Captain Marvel soon after. Time passes and there’s a couple of near misses and Billy realizes he’d putting his foster family in danger. So he heads back to the streets into order to keep them safe. he’s been on and off them for years so he survives, plus his foster siblings (the other Marvels) are there helping out whenever possible. He lives in an old, dirty subway in a tent and he scrapes together money through a couple small jobs and from begging or his foster siblings.

- I like the idea of street wise Billy, who acts kind of sarcastic and cautious on the outside but inside is a super softie. He’s not nearly as cranky or skittish as Jason, he’s a lot more optimistic, makes the best of his sad situation and always does what he can to help. He gets angry and lashes out and cries, but he’s still overall pretty happy. He’s kind of a goody two shoes for a desperate kid. He used to sometimes steal money/food but after becoming Cap, he never felt right. In order to make ends meet, he swallowed his pride and does a little begging here and there because he’s got to eat. If he’s truly desperate, will go hang out in the Watchtower and covertly grab some food.

- Batman learns Billy’s identity rather quickly and didn’t know what to do. He stalled for a while over how to handle Billy because he sees Billy is in a foster home and being taken care of and is handling Captain Marvel rather well. He makes a sly effort to keep the Cap away from ugly crime scenes, the League aids just because Cap is so naïve and innocent they don’t want him involved in that. Bruce grows complacent and doesn’t realize until months later that Billy left his foster home. It’s around this time, Bruce takes in jay and sees first hand what the streets do to a kid and enough is enough. He confronts Billy about it, he’s calm and non-judging but he refuses to let things continue. He even offers straight up to adopt him along with Jay. Billy thanks him but refuses. Bruce upgrades him to a better apartment and gives him a monthly stipend (he calls it a ‘salary’ for Cap’s work as a hero to make Billy accept it) for food and whatever he needs. Billy still keeps his jobs because he likes earning his own pay. the League is not informed on Billy’s request.

- Jay figured early on that Cap had gone through a lot of the same experiences he did and, while he suspected that Billy was younger than everyone thought, he was stunned to find out Billy was a few months younger than him. They’d become friends and Billy had confided in him. Jay burst into B’s study that night and demanded Billy be adopted ASAP. Bruce had to explain his offer had been declined. But Billy and Jay become super tight and he’s over at the Manor a lot. Alfred adores the kid because he’s charming and polite and a good influence on Jason. Jay is super protective of the kid, he's older and the kid acts like the world is actually a decent place. Billy’s kindness and optimism really do wonders for Jay when Bruce can’t. Bruce likes that the boys are helping each other recover from their difficult childhoods. But as things get harder for Jason, there’s only so much Billy can do. Jay begins to push him away in his depression/anger and they had a pretty big fight just before Jay left to find his mom. Cap hears about Jay’s death on the Watchtower, he starts crying onto Batman’s shoulder and Bruce lets himself hug and be hugged for the first time since his boy died.

- Eventually the League does find out that the World’s Mightiest Mortal is actually a 13 year old and they are pissed. Mostly at Batman cause they knew that dick was in the know. Supes, GL and Flash want Billy out of heroing yesterday. Wondie, Bats, Aquaman and Martian Manhunter think Billy has earned his place and she be cared for within the League. Billy does choose to stay but is now upset over how everyone hovers now. It is nice to hang around them as Billy, not just Cap. It was worth the headache to see everyone’s faces when he can actually properly curse for the first time in front of them. Clark almost gets out the soap for his mouth. He still insists on his independence but it’s nice that the others invite him over for dinner and sleepovers. It’s nice to feel loved. He does that maybe once every 10 days or so and it rotates between Leaguers. He eventually builds a stronger rapport with the League and becomes a good mediator between the adult League and their kids/sidekicks since he is a kid and understands but also highly respected by the adults.